SIMPLY Red have been signed as a headline act at this year's Summer Pops.

It will mark a return to the Big Top arena for the group, fronted by Mick Hucknall, who played at the festival in 2003.

Since their debut, Money's Too Tight To Mention, reached the UK top 20 in 1985 they have had a string of hits including the number one Holding Back The Years.

It is also revealed that chart sensations Il Divo will make their Summer Pops debut on July 21, three days after the Simply Red show.

Il Divo have sold 10 million albums around the world in 18 months. Their rapid rise to fame has brought opera to the mainstream.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool council, said: "The Pops is one of the highlights of Liverpool's cultural calendar. Its roll call of greats has established its reputation as one of the premier music events in the UK."

Promoter Chas Cole said: "Liverpool audiences deserve to see the best acts in the world. I am very excited about the artists we will be announcing over the next few weeks."

* Tickets for both events go on sale on Monday. Call Liverpool Direct on 0151-233 3007.